Health, food supply chains and logistics exempted from curfew

RIYADH – The Ministry of Transport clarified in its Twitter account on Tuesday that the sectors that were exempted from the night curfew, which came into effect from Monday, include logistic services and supply chains for the health and food sectors as well as for sectors such as port operation, goods and parcel transport activities and customs clearance. The sectors also include transportation to and from warehouses and stores, and everything that would ensure the availability of essential goods for citizens and expatriates.

Custodian of the Two Holy Mosques King Salman issued on Sunday a curfew order from 7 p.m. until 6 a.m. for a period of 21 days, effective from Monday evening, to limit the spread of coronavirus in the Kingdom. Later, the Ministry of Interior gave clarifications regarding the sectors and employees that have been exempted from the curfew.

Meanwhile, Minister of Transport Saleh Al-Jasser said that the ministry will continue follow up activities in the fields of transport and logistics services in order to ensure the smooth flow of goods and services to citizens and residents during this period.

“All the exempted sectors will continue their work, in addition to the transportation system of sensitive services such as operation of airports and goods trains, as well as maintenance of roads under the ministry within the cities and between the cities,” he said while noting that this will be carried out with an emphasis on everyone to take care and adhere to the health instructions issued by the concerned authorities.

Al-Jasser also stressed that these decisions have been taken in view of the fact that logistics work is vital and indispensable necessity. It also shows the keenness of the Saudi leadership on ensuring the comfort of citizens and expatriates, he added.

Earlier, the Ministry of Interior called on civil and military authorities to cooperate fully with the new measures. The ministry gave exemption to employees of the vital parts of the public and private sectors whose work requires continued performance during the curfew period. It also includes employees in the security, military and media sectors, and those in relevant health and service sectors. The ministry urged citizens to stay in their homes, especially during the curfew, and not to leave except in cases of emergency.